Barnaby Joyce sorry for calling Bridget McKenzie a 'flash bit of kit'

Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce and Senator Bridget McKenzie, the subject of his 'private joke' made after a few drinks. Picture: Ray StrangeSource:The Sunday Telegraph

OUTSPOKEN Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has been forced to apologise to a female colleague for describing her as a &quot;flash bit of kit&quot; in parliament - but denies being drunk when he made the comment.

The remark was made to acting deputy president Bridget McKenzie during a late-night debate on the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment Bill.

While Mr Joyce admitted he had "consumed a few drinks" before entering the chamber, he said he was not under the influence of alcohol and the comment had been intended as a private joke.

Mr Joyce had begun speaking about the merits of the bill and the need for greater water efficiency about 9pm on Tuesday when sources said he was "distracted" by the sight of fellow Nationals Senator McKenzie, who was sitting a few feet away.

"Madam acting deputy president McKenzie, you are looking wonderful tonight," he said. "You are a flash bit of kit in this chamber, there is no doubt about you."

Sources said an embarrassed Ms McKenzie tried to interject before Mr Joyce continued with his commentary.

"It is non contro. Roll with me on this," he said.

Mr Joyce told The Sunday Telegraph he had intended it to be a private remark to a colleague sitting "less than two feet away".

But he admitted that Ms McKenzie was less than amused due to fact it would be recorded in Hansard for the public record.

A remorseful Mr Joyce said he was gently chastised by Ms McKenzie when he visited her the following day to apologise.

The incident triggered whispers among Labor ranks that Mr Joyce had been drunk in the chamber - an allegation he vehemently denied.

"Look, it wasn't my finest hour, although what I was saying I thought was being flattering and it was meant to be a private joke between two people, not the rest of the nation," Mr Joyce told The Sunday Telegraph.

"She said it was funny, but that unfortunately these things end up in Hansard.

"It wasn't as if I was being offensive. I apologised and she accepted my apology."

Mr Joyce said he had had drinks before the debate with staff, but described allegations he was drunk as "ridiculous".

"No, we had had drinks in our room, but that is ridiculous," he said. "Sorry guys, that is not right."

Mr Joyce said his wife had made no comment on the incident: "She knows me better than that."

Ms McKenzie declined to comment on the matter.

The incident comes a week after NSW Labor MP Michael Daley was forced to admit that he had been drinking before a major debate on the state's workers compensation system after his angry outburst had him ejected from parliament.

Mr Daley was caught on camera slurring his speech and leaning on the lectern.